By
Car
Maps can usually be purchased at gas
stations, convenience stores, and rest
stops for about $3.
CAR RENTALS
Major Agencies
Alamo (tel. 800/327-9633;
0800/272-2000 in the United Kingdom). Avis
(tel. 800/331-1212; 800/879-2847 in
Canada; 008/225-533 in Australia). Budget
(tel. 800/527-0700; 0800/181181 in the
United Kingdom). Dollar (tel.
800/800-4000; 0990/565656 in the United
Kingdom, where it is known as Eurodollar).
Hertz (tel. 800/654-3131;
800/263-0600 in Canada; 0345/555888 in the
United Kingdom; 03/9222-2523 in Australia;
03/358-6777 in New Zealand). National
InterRent (tel. 800/227-7368;
0345/222525 in the United Kingdom, where
it is known as Europcar InterRent). Other
Alternatives
Rent-A-Wreck (tel.
800/535-1391). Sears (tel.
800/527-0770). Thrifty (tel.
800/367-2277). Ugly Duckling (tel.
800/843-3825).
REQUIREMENTS
You must be 21 to rent a car, and rates
may be higher if you're under 25. You'll
pay extra for child seats (about $3 per
day), which are compulsory for children
under five, and for additional drivers
(about $2 per day). Non-U.S. residents
need a reservation voucher, a passport, a
driver's license, and a travel policy that
covers each driver, in order to pick up a
car.
GASOLINE
Gasoline is relatively inexpensive in
the United States, though of course the
price varies from region to region and
fluctuates over time.
Most gas stations are open late, and
many large highways and big cities have
24-hour stations. However, many stations
close early on Sunday night.
ROAD CONDITIONS
Road and highway conditions in the
United States vary from state to state,
depending on the climate and budget
allocations of a given area. In general,
interstates and parkways are well
maintained through revenue generated from
tolls charged to all motorists. These can
be collected at periodic tollbooths along
the road or where you exit, depending on
the distance traveled. Large highways also
have the advantage of well-spaced roadside
stops with public rest rooms and stores
selling fast food, maps, and other
sundries. Major interstates are frequented
by state police and tow trucks, whose
drivers can lend assistance in the event
of an accident or breakdown.
RULES OF THE ROAD
Driving in the United States is done on
the right side of the road. Speed limits
vary and are sign-posted along roads and
highways. Adhere to speed limits. Recent
federal legislation allows each state to
set individual speed limits. Watch for
lower speed limits on back roads. Except
for limited-access roads, highways usually
post a lower speed limit in towns, so slow
down when houses and buildings start to
appear. Most states require front-seat
passengers to wear seat belts, and in all
states children under age 4 must ride in
approved child-safety seats.
In some communities, it is permissible
to make a right turn at a red light once
the car has come to a full stop and there
is no oncoming traffic. When in doubt
about local laws, however, wait for the
green light.
Beware of weekday rush-hour
traffic--anywhere from 7 AM to 10 AM and 4
PM to 7 PM--around major cities. To
encourage car sharing, some crowded
expressways may reserve an express lane
for cars carrying more than one passenger.
In downtown areas, watch signs
carefully--there are lots of one-way
streets, "no-left-turn"
intersections, and blocks closed to car
traffic, all in the name of easing
congestion.
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